Although he just finished up a recent round of chemotherapy, he said he was “actually feeling really good.” (KCTV/Ashley Arnold)

Some bought shirts saying "#StandWithShawn" on the front and “No One Fights Alone” on the back. (KCTV/Ashley Arnold)

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO (KCTV) -

Lee’s Summit police officer Shawn Rath has been known as someone who's always willing to give back. On Saturday, the community was returning the favor.

“Shawn's spent his entire life serving other people,” said Officer Jennifer Kudzinsky, “whether it's in the Coast Guard or as a police officer.”

After more than a yearlong battle with cancer, the community was given the opportunity to give back.

“We found out about the event and we just want to be able to give back,” said Elizabeth Wilson. “We're just a big community and we take care of our own.”

Saturday morning, Fun House Pizza hosted the police department and other law enforcement agencies as they rallied in support of Rath.

“We just kind of brainstormed together,” said Officer Jason Spaeth. “Jen came up with the idea of the head shaving and then we talked about what we do have in common is Jeeps, and there's a lot of Jeeps around and Jeep people tend to be generous.”

Spaeth said the initial planning started about a week ago. While they expected about 20 Jeeps to show up, at least double showed up. There was even a high turnout from residents in support.

On top of heads being shaved, some bought shirts saying "#StandWithShawn" on the front and “No One Fights Alone” on the back.

For Rath, it can be a lot to take in. ”It's a hard emotion to describe, just knowing that that many people are willing to come out and give you that much love back,” he said.

Although he just finished up a recent round of chemotherapy, he said he was “actually feeling really good” and “feeling strong.”

Spaeth said the response from the community has been tremendous.

“Not only is Shawn one of my best friends and a great guy, cancer touches so many people,” he said. "A lot of the people that we went and talked to and got donations from and things like that, they had a personal experience with it and were willing to give and willing to help.”

A Facebook post from a local teacher that said the Florida shooting had her so on edge she was actually considering ending her 35-year career in education had us wondering how many other teachers are having that kind of internal crisis.

A Facebook post from a local teacher that said the Florida shooting had her so on edge she was actually considering ending her 35-year career in education had us wondering how many other teachers are having that kind of internal crisis.